We share in his own words a story of how one youth found HomePlate and his way home to stability and health. Written by Dennis R. who came to us about a year ago….

“I guess I’ll begin at the time before I really met Homeplate…(1 year prior)…

I began my 2nd year of homelessness and was really struggling in my addiction. I’ve had nights where I spent it out in the rain with only a t-shirt and sweatpants. I maybe ate just some chips in a week.

One day I was just using the library as shelter and then I saw two people walk in with light green hiking backpacks and a smile on their faces. They noticed me and came straight over and offered me water and some healthy filling snacks.

And that day I stocked up on jerky! They were also so kind into pointing me in the direction where I could get warm clothes and a warm meal and other resources to benefit my future.

I later got a small job with HomePlate doing and expressing art. That taught me a valuable lesson about life and the right way to live. HomePlate and their positive community saved my life.

I now am living in a house with roommates working as a web designer for a tech company. I am able to pay monthly bills and provide for myself!

I really wouldn't be where I am today without the support of HomePlate and their amazing community! I’m closer to my family again. I am 70+ days sober and still counting! And I’ve learned how to express myself in a community. I have awesome friends now and good relationships with those around me. I have also learned how to be giving and supportive just like HomePlate!

open position: opportunity navigator

HomePlate is launching a new scholarship program for our youth that will allow them the opportunity to enroll and participate in an educational program focused on career preparation without having to worry about peripheral expenses. The overall responsibility of the Opportunity Navigator is to work with a select group of young people to prepare for, enroll in, and follow through with an educational or occupational program of their choice. In addition to helping them navigate the educational system, this may include assisting with acquiring housing, planning for childcare, and other aspects of the young people’s lives that will help them to be successful in their chosen program. Time will be divided between providing ongoing support to participants, researching educational and occupational program opportunities, and building relationships with potential partner organizations.

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count is an annual census of every homeless person in our community who is living outside during the last week of January. PIT occurs over the span of one week and is coordinated by members of the Continuum of Care and conducted with help from local volunteers.

PIT Counts will be held in the communities of Tigard, Beaverton, Hillsboro and Forest Grove on January 23, 2019. PIT Counts will be held in Aloha on January 28, 2019 and in Cornelius on January 29, 2019.

The purpose of the PIT Count is to gather data about homeless individuals (including demographic information) and report on the total number of people living outside. The snapshot of information that the PIT provides is used to inform housing policy decisions and funding commitments and to evaluate the effectiveness of current programs aimed at ending homelessness.

HomePlate outreach workers are excited to partake in this year's PIT Count in Aloha, Tigard, Beaverton, Forest Grove and Cornelius. We are eager to raise public awareness about homelessness in our community and connect homeless individuals with vital resources.